Friday, March 28, 2008

When I'm not racing to appointments regarding my arm and its unusual path of recovery from trauma after trauma, I wonder about that Meningioma history I have and share with so many people.

I hope you'll forgive my use of a dated piece of imagery, but I've mentally put myself into a sort of WAYBACK Machine like the one used by Sherman and Mr. Potter of Rocky and Bullwinkle cartoon fame. The Wayback Machine let the intelligent kid and his uber-smart dog travel back in time to find answers for perplexing questions.

What prompted my trip down history's corridor? This interesting revelation:

According to yesterday's post at Healthsass migraines are problems of Dueling Danger Alert/Happiness hormones!

Don't understand? No prob. I can explain: An Irrestible Force (Adrenaline) meets an Immovable Object (Serotonin). Just imagine gladiators duking it out in your head. That's pretty much the sensation of a migraine.

Suddenly I recalled that many migraine sufferers (I used to be one, and connected with other migraine sufferers to seek advice for relief) eventually experience brain or other tumors. Hmmm...

Thyroids, uteruses, testicles and breasts are hormone-specific structures. And WOW do they account for many cancer cases! A significant number of such cancer patients report histories of Migraines and/or Meningiomas. To be sure, I'm relying on memory, a strictly anecdotal piece of evidence. But my medically-related memories are based on my experience in the Medical Records industry, not only on personal experience...

I'm starting to wonder if the human body suffers a Meningioma or Migraine Syndrome, a specific type of downward cascade or domino effect that may or may not be a gender determinant situation (men get meningiomas and migraines, too). That is, if the human body holds the gene(s) for one hormonally-related problem, are other specific hormonal problems more likely to occur, too? Will they occur only if certain factors come into play, or not?

The truth can be learned with hard facts: Statistics. Anecdotal evidence is only a modest beginning. So consider this: You know what doctors and researchers call LOTS of anecdotes? STATISTICS.

Anybody interested in researching the reality? On October 17 2001 JAMA published a National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) study about women with meningiomas having higher incidences of LAM - lymphangioleiomyomatosis. That's only one example of correlating the sort of evidence I'm addressing to prognoses for the future. There are other studies happening as you read my thoughts.

I have many hunches based on personal and professional experience about what's going on. And I want to be part of the prevention and cure eventuality for it all.

If you're already researching the issues or want to, I have questions for you. Need assistance in studying medical records of migraine and tumor patients? Want hands-on help for collating the numbers with relevant demographic information as is done with formal tumor registries? Um, you can hire me to work on the project with you. I'm VERY motivated to find the answer for preventing and curing the medical curiosity. And I know how to interview people. I'm familiar with maintaining Tumor Registries, researching medical records AND comprehending medicalese.

Well, whether or not I become part of some well-considered research effort for personalized medicine, some doctor or team of doctors will likely win prizes (and save lives) when they master the answer. sigh...

Perhaps my sole contribution to the achievement (maybe) will be naming the problem. So doctors, researchers and scientists, remember that you heard it here first. Just let me know the prize I earn for coining the phrase

1. MENINGIOMA CASCADE SYNDROME

or

2. MIGRAINE CASCADE SYNDROME.

or

3. MALPLASM SYNDROME. Abnormal growth(s) - leading to or following other physical manifestations - that can be staged pretty much as are malignant (cancerous) growths. sigh. I've developed an entire paper on this topic, and I've been working on it since last year. It's simply not ready for professional inspection yet.

Why am I so concerned about all this? Keep in mind, these Migraine and non-cancerous Meningioma illnesses are simply NOT benign. Consider the life-altering effects that Meningiomas, Meningioma surgeries, and Migraines, have on people. And other associated, dire problems may be part of the picture.

I'll hang on to my sense of humor as I try to contribute to the world in my own way. Meanwhile, I'll try to come up with catchier names for the 3 potential diagnoses I referenced above.

~*~*~*~

Want to learn some can-do healing/coping strategies for your illness or someone else's medical challenge? Then read, benefit from, and tell others about It's MY Crisis! And I’ll Cry if I Need To.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Hmmm, I wrote a book describing how I survived the emotional and physical shock of a BENIGN brain tumor that had been killing me (let alone the after-effects of the dangerous surgery). Then I began speaking to interested groups and individuals about how I did it. But the least convinced listeners to my tale of victory are some of the very people who saved my life: Doctors!

I've long wondered how to augment my assertiveness in describing my life-preserving techniques to medical skeptics. Now I've found one potential resource for success: bluezones.com. This doctor-created site describes well-researched geographical areas of longevity around the globe and how the long-lived people there earned

BIG

Birthdays.

Every bit of advice - succinctly explained in 9 Powerful Longevity Boosters - at bluezones.com is in It's MY Crisis! And I’ll Cry if I Need To.

Better yet, It's MY Crisis! And I’ll Cry if I NeedTo holds even MORE life-sustaining information than you'll find at Blue Zones. It's MY Crisis! also holds how-to information, humorous takes on the difficulties of life PLUS a global "Resource" section for locating the things you need to cope with medical crises.

To name just a few of those necessary items in my book's Resource section:

And consider this: Unlike websites that market more than you bargained for, my book does not hold advertisements! You get unbiased information that I collected from reliable resources worldwide. No annoying pop-up ads, no irritating jingles in your ears. Just pleasant reading endorsed by medical and mental health professionals, clergy of different faiths and even an NIH researcher. All this in one convenient package: an affordable workbook to be shared with friends, family and caregivers if you wish.

When you want even more cheerful support, you can contact me for Self-Help Coaching services at giveretgolani@gmail.com.

OK, back to the skeptics to whom I'm offering an educational dialogue: I look forward to fielding questions from medical professionals around the world. The healing arts are not based simply upon science. The human heart, mind and soul are an intricate part of the medical mix. And uh, not everything can be explained to us mortals solely by statistics, experimentation and empirical knowledge, can it, doctors?

Find out something you never knew about "unusual" cases of spontaneous and other inexplicable recoveries and the people who've experienced them. I have loads of other information to share with you in addition to the Blue Zone site. I'm one click away at giveretgolani@gmail.com.

Still need convincing, Doctor? Okay. Ask me how it could be that a board-certified Orthopedist declared IN PRINT on OFFICIAL MEDICAL RECORDS - only today - that I HAVE OFFICIALLY AND UNQUESTIONABLY RECOVERED FROM DEVASTATING RSD/CRPS in less than three months! Not everyone recovers from that diagnosis. And if they do recover, it's just not in such a short amount of time.

You're a medical professional. You want to improve the Quality of Life for your RSD/CRPS or other patients. Ask yourself "How is this possible that Miss Golani recovered so quickly?" If you need the answer, you know what to do ;^ )

~*~*~*~

Want to learn many more can-do healing/coping strategies? Then read, benefit from, and tell others about It's MY Crisis! And I’ll Cry if I Need To.

Find out why more than 2570 votes of praise have been made for my book since December 2 2007. That's when the Musella Foundation for Brain Tumor Research declared It’s MY Crisis to be “Recommended Reading.”

You can vote for It's MY Crisis! And I’ll Cry if I Need To on the Musella site daily. Just click

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

This morning I waltzed my way into another Occupational Therapy appointment in full Purim garb. The staff laughed at my choice of matpekhet (costume, in Hebrew) and my sense of humor for poking fun at my medical issues.

You can get a glimpse of me as Boo-Boo Barbie down below. I wore the red dress for Purim evening and the pink outfit during the day. In one photo I'm holding the arm brace I no longer need, and balancing the cane that once supported me. Don't I look glam as a blond bomshell with kewl shades and colorful bandaids, laughing off my troubles?

Then we began our work. The exercises soon stopped so the startled therapist could measure the vastly improved supination, pronation, flexion and extension (medicalese for forms of movement) of my affected arm and hand.

She about cried for joy with me as I thanked GOD Almighty for the miracle. The One Above let my team of medical experts help me to heal from a devastating injury.

The supervisor was immediately alerted to the fact that the classic signs and symptoms of RSD/CRPS are rapidly lessening and disappearing from my previously injured and almost pain-free limb. Two telltale signs are simply GONE!

What happened next?

The supervisor proudy displayed a copy of my book for coping with medical crises to her staff. She wants everyone who arrives at that office to learn my strategies for coping with medical crises. AND she hopes that therapy clients will learn how to overcome their challenges with the right attitude and behavior.

~*~*~*~

Suffering with a Medical Crisis?

Been there, done that (AGAIN), wrote a book about it, and going forward into the future.

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Folks, I've been weighing my words for a while, wondering how to explain to you another of the miracles in my life. I'll go for the briefest possible chronological explanation I can cobble together and hope I effectively communicate to you about the phenomenon in my life these days.

Bear in mind that the following is NOT a comprehensive account of personal events. That would take weeks to type out!

Dec. 20 2007 My elbow and wrist break in a freak accident

Dec. 20 2007 The orthopedic doctor who tends to my arm errs but I do not realize it until...

Dec. 30 2007, upon admission to the emergency room of a local hospital after I've fainted from increasing pain over the past 10 days. Turns out that the guy who set my arm increased the damage. According to the specialists who admitted me, assessed the problem and performed surgery, the errant doctor should have sent me by ambulance to this very hospital for immediate surgery instead of providing a flimsy splint and unstable cloth sling and telling me to see a doctor in three weeks! I should have been put into what is called an "Immobilizer" (constructed with specialized materials) that prevents further movement of the healing arm for the prompt, arm-saving journey.

Jan. 7 2008 surgery stabilizes my very deteriorated arm. The long wait for this operation was due to circumstances beyond my control and that of my doctors (we live in a country besieged by terrorists and filled with their victims). My arm is temporarily casted in plaster, then soon encased/immobilized in a special hinged device to promote maximum healing for several weeks.

Upon removal of that hinged device mentioned above, I begin aggressive Physical and Occupational Therapy to restore the use of my crooked arm (the stiffened elbow does not yet extend my arm) and stiff hand. Elbow fractures are among the most difficult types of bone breaks to heal, as doctors know.

Elbow fractures, my sore wrist and my bonus Comminuted Ulna Fracture (a "Complicated Fracture" to medical folks) made treatment and recovery quite delicate and painful. Doctors prescribe a common painkiller that helps me a lot. We stop using it before I become accidentally addicted. But within days, the shockingly high pain necessitates a trip to the emergency room. That doctor restores the previous medication to my life ("You don't have an addictive personality," he announces), advises less aggressive PT/OT and the situation improves. For a while.

I continue less aggressive therapy until I'm advised to use a different painkiller. And I begin using an arm-straightening brace several hours daily, as well as a device to increase the flexibility of my fingers.

But something goes seriously wrong... The new drug makes me vomit violently for several hours. My doctors end drug treatment and prescribe moist heat packs, relaxation techniques, accupuncture and nerve stimulation. They worry about how to relieve my fluctuating pain. So do I. I try EFT, massage and more.

Within days my surgeon, therapists and I realize that my pain is not lessening as much as expected. My arm and hand movements are not improving as much or as quickly as expected, either. The pain becomes so awful that I eventually fall to the floor from a seated position, fainting in front of friends at a social event.

Another emergency admission to the hospital leads to me to a very savvy doctor and a frightening Diagnosis: Reflexive Sympathetic Dystrophy also known as CRPS, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.

Though the medical world's jury is still out regarding the CAUSE of RSD/CRPS, I strongly suspect two culprits: 1. The substandard treatment I received on the day of my fall (it caused a bigger fracture) AND 2. The delay in my desperately needed surgery.

RSD is a degenerative condition that (according to textbooks) can be solved ONLY one of two ways: the upbeat psychological condition of the patient OR a drug cocktail that lessens pain while relaxing patient until the fracture heals and the pain resolves.

Upbeat is my nature, as the medical team kept noticing despite all that was happening with me (one kept laughing with me during some hilarious discussions). So a new doctor (a pain specialist) on my team added a particular drug cocktail to my diet while I prayed for a cure. I return home, still praying.

AND THEN the VERY UNEXPECTED HAPPENS: I suffer a horrible reaction to the drug cocktail on day two. I forget who and where I am, then fall from lack of balance during a stroll outdoors. A friend treats me with CraniosSacral Therapy. She ends the mental haze within minutes and provides pain-reduction techniques that work.

Next day, I meet with my personal physician. She believes the painkilling cocktail dose was too high for any normal person. "It could have felled an elephant!" she hollered at the prescribing doctor (no longer on my team).

It takes several days for the effects of the drug cocktail to leave my system. Ill and frightened, I realize how strong a Death Wish drug addicts have. I'd NEVER go through this experience voluntarily!

Talk about stuck! My sunny disposition is not helping my arm to heal and now drugs won't work. My worried surgeon (I adore his conscientious, caring attitude) and the growing team of medical experts on my case recommend the use of a Pain Management Clinic (it uses therapies other than drugs when necessary) and using even more gentle PT/OT methodology. WHEW!

But progress again proves to be too slow. We have a limited window of opportunity to heal the arm/hand muscles before the opportunity is lost. RED FLAGS go up with everyone on my now HUGE medical team. And (thanks to bureaucratic snafus) I'm still waiting for my first Pain Management Clinic appointment.

So how do I expedite the healing of my arm and hand while enjoying the aggression-reduced PT/OT? Read on.

I decide to laugh at my plight instead of letting it ruin my life. I prepared a hilarious costume for the forthcoming Jewish holiday of PURIM. It pokes fun at my medical dilemma so much that... More on that soon ;^ )

Thanks to the down-graded pressure in PT/OT and lots of giggles since then, I've been almost pain-free for about a week. At most I need an aspirin, NOT narcotic painkillers or sedatives. And with my clearer, more focused mind, I realize that there are MORE than two ways to conquer RSD/CRPS!

I call the woman who wrote the dedication in my book: that certified CranioSacral Therapist who helped me out of the accidental overdose. We book appointments to complement my PT/OT schedule. I also book appointments with another CST professional who can fill in when my preferred practitioner is unavailable.

Treatment One: Resolved the drug overdose problem that has clouded my mind for days, as you know.

Treatment Two: We get my arm to reach across my chest and face in a limp manner. I do NOT need to cry out in pain. My elbow loosens up so much that my crooked arm becomes almost entirely straight! NO stiffness or pain.

Treatment Three: We increase the flexibility of my wrist and fingers by several degrees. Painless!

My PT/OT team is shocked at my sudden leap forward during a subsequent appointment. The skin color on my affected arm is dramatically better, as are the flexibility and pain-free status.

Major Improvement, hmm? More movement and NO PAIN.

CranioSacral Therapy. Doing for me what Western medicine could not.

Stand by for more good news, G'D willing. And maybe a photo of me in my Purim regalia next week...

And, uh, Doctors on my "Whazzup with this Chick?" team, though you never admit it to me, I know you peek at my blog cuz I can track the visitors to my site. I also overhear your remarks when you think I'm out of earshot. I salute you. You're dedicated professionals who preserved my arm (let alone my sanity!). We're working together to fully restore it. My progress couldn't have happened without your compassionate and terrific care. Hugs, Yoji

~*~*~*~

Suffering with a Medical Crisis?

Been there, done that, wrote a book about it, and going forward into the future

Want to learn many more can-do healing/coping strategies?Then read, benefit from, and tell others about It's MY Crisis! And I’ll Cry if I Need To.

Sunday, March 16, 2008

I'm home from the hospital, recovering from a serious diagnosis unrelated to the once-suspect metal plates and screws. They ultimately did not need to be removed.

I'll explain the latest developments in a future message.

While I'm preparing that forthcoming blog post, I'll simply share this goodie about the beauty of the human brain. View it, appreciate your unique potential in the universe, and treat other people with compassion: MINDBOGGLING.

Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

~*~*~*

Want more inspiration for facing your medical crisis? Read

Suffering with a Medical Crisis?

Been there, done that, wrote a book about it, and going forward into the future.

Want to learn many more can-do healing/coping strategies? Then read, benefit from, and tell others about It's MY Crisis! And I’ll Cry if I Need To.

Sunday, March 9, 2008

Sorry to have to type this at you, but I'm about to leave for the hospital. I need further surgery on my arm, the one broken in a freak accident on Dec. 20 2007, then surgically repaired Jan. 7 2008.

I've needed this follow-up surgery for weeks. But hospital beds have been filled with other, more fragile patients and victims of terrorists. I simply could not access the surgeon I need until now.

Doctors are sort of amazed at how well I endured the agonizing wait for a bed in the orthopedic surgery unit until today. So am I.

My medical team is reading my book a bit more closely now, to better comprhend how I've endured the excruciating pain of the Grade 3 Elbow Fracture, Comminuted Ulna Fracture and broken wrist plus what we believe to be the unexpected (and VERY painful) shift of the metal plates and screws holding my arm together.

It's all in my book, dear readers. I practice what I preach regarding coping mechanisms.

Learn how to cope with your medical challenges by reading It's MY Crisis! And I’ll Cry if I Need To.

~*~*~*~

Suffering with a Medical Crisis?

Been there, done that, wrote a book about it, and going forward into the future

Want to learn many more can-do healing/coping strategies? Then read, benefit from, and tell others about It's MY Crisis! And I’ll Cry if I Need To.

Thursday, March 6, 2008

UPDATE: The body of the missing man was pulled from New Jersey's Hackensack river hours after I posted this plea to find him. This is an unspeakably sad day.

###

Folks, I've been on stand-by for re-admission to the already full hospital where I received treatment for my broken elbow and wrist. My arm needs further surgery and we are waiting for a bed to become available to me. My pain is considerable and I've been unable to post at this blog for some time. I'm biting my lips to post this urgent message:

The missing man is the father of one of my colleagues. The situation is inexplicably horrifying. Rabbi Zev Segal went missing after visiting his son at a New Jersey radio studio. Please read on. I translated some relevant words. Others refer to Jewish social/community organizations within the New York-New Jersey areas:

[UPDATES BELOW ORIGIONAL STORY] 3:00PM EST: Misaskim has contacted YWN, and are asking for the public’s assistance. They are looking for a 91 year-old male, who was last seen at approximately 8:15AM this morning in the Northern NJ area. He was driving a dark-green 1999 Ford Mercury, NY plate # ALT3961. He was supposed to arrive at his destination, but has not been seen, or heard from since.

Misaskim has contacted dozens of Police Departments, Hospitals and other agencies - but no one has information.

If you see this vehicle, or have any information which can assist in locating this person, please contact New Jersey Police at 201-547-5066.

UPDATE 1:00AM EST: At this time, hundreds of Hatzolah members from Flatbush, Boro Park, Williamsburg, Queens, Monsey, Staten Island, Passaic NJ, Union City NJ, Elizabeth NJ, Kiryas Yoel and other neighborhoods have joined the massive search - being coordinated by the Misaskim, and Hatzolah Mobile Command Centers.

Additionally, there are Chaveirim members from multiple areas, as well as Shomrim units from all neighborhoods.

The command center has been set up in Jersey City, NJ - and dozens of police officers from Jersey City PD in conjunction with the NJ State Police are working aggressively in the search. K-9 units are searching the sides and exits of Route 280 - and two choppers are scheduled to join the search first thing in the morning.

Please be Mispallel (pray) for Zev ben Miriam - who is the father of Radio Personality Nachum Segal. Mr. Zev Segal was last seen at the WFMU radio studio at 8:15AM, where he was joining his son at the annual radio-station fundraiser.

Learn about the highly acclaimed book It's My Crisis! And I'll Cry if I Need To: A Life Book that Helps You to Dry Your Tears and to Cope with a Medical Challenge.

The Musella Foundation for Brain Tumor Research and Information calls it "Recommended Reading."

Yocheved GolaniAuthor, Journalist, Self-Help Coach

Giveret Golani Self-Help CoachingJerusalem, IsraelCoping with a Medical Crisis?Make the Changes You Need in Your Life

No matter where you live or how young/old you are, this book teaches you how to calm down plus how to minimize, even end, the confusion and chaos of illness.

Read the Global Resources section to learn of cost-cutting organizations willing to pay part or all of your specific medical expenses. EMPOWER Yourself helps you to get your grin back despite illness or disability.

Those worldwide organizations are willing to pay for part or all of an applicant's medical care, medication, medical appliances, and other medical needs. The coverage applies to medical, disability plus mental health care.

Need air transport to a medical site? Covered.

Latinos with liver disease? Covered.

Can't afford necessary exams and hospital stays? Covered.

Need a modest hospital gown so your buttocks aren't on display for everyone to see? Covered.

Learn how to communicate more effectively with medical professionals on pages 55 - 58.

Make your needs clear to healthcare pros, family and friends – including annoying visitors! Pages 59 & 66-69 let you know what to do. Be sure to read the part entitled "Walk a Mile in My Shoes" aloud to them.

Limited somehow by your medical situation? You'll be stronger – perhaps wealthier - after learning what to tell (and when) to potential employers in Chapter 12, "Employment with a Disability."

Find out how to lower your costs in the Global Resources section at the back of the book.

About Me and The Books I Wrote to Help YOU

My name is Yocheved Golani. A former Health Information Management professional certified in Counseling Skills and Spiritual Chaplaincy, I'm repairing the "Patients are Clueless and Powerless" status quo of medical care. The Internet isn't enough for finding medical information to save or improve your life. You need facts, not rumors or false leads.
It's MY Crisis! And I'll Cry If I Need To: EMPOWER Yourself to Cope with a Medical Challenge makes urgently needed information immediately available to you. Beautifully designed and simple to use, E-book or paperback It's MY Crisis! EMPOWERS you to reduce your stress and medical costs.
Spiritual, inspirational, endorsed by medical & mental health professionals, It's MY Crisis! And I'll Cry If I Need To lets you laugh again with effective tips for surviving your critics & your situation. Save time & money with contact information for meeting medical needs with low-cost and free health care options at the back of the book. EMPOWER Yourself to Cope with a Medical Challenge today!
Buy YOUR copy or a loved one's TODAY!

INSPIRING SPEAKER... DYNAMIC WRITER...

It's My Crisis and I'll Cry if I Need To offers practical, powerful, and creative tools to empower anyone undergoing a medical crisis. Learn what to say to unpleasant people (relatives and medical staff included), and how to get them on your side!

"It's MY Crisis! And I'll Cry If I Need To: EMPOWER Yourself to Cope with a Medical Challenge" teaches you what to say if people make fun of you for crying in fear or shame at your diagnosis, and what to do if people behave rudely to you in the hospital.

The E-book or paperback hold lots of fun things to do for feeling better about yourself. Tips on how to organize your suitcase and self for going to the hospital and even for keeping your medical and insurance papers can keep you worry-free.

SAVE MONEY! The back of the book tells you how to get freeor low-cost First Quality Medical Care, Medication, Medical Appliances, Medical Transport and MORE.

EMPOWER Yourself validates your need to cry over your medical crisis then EMPOWERS you to cope with it. Share what you learn with friends, loved ones, & your medical team. Make yourself happier by reading this book.

The first edition was a hit! It's been #2 on the Musella site since Nov. 2 2008! The Updated Edition is going strong.

Reviews of "It's MY Crisis! And I'll Cry if I Need To"

I loved your book! I gave it to many friends of mine. Arlene Abrams of Trixie & Janewww.trixieandjane.com

"I received EMPOWER Yourself to Cope with a Medical Challenge one week after I suffered my own medical crisis and found it very helpful. [It] will be of great benefit both in dealing with the fragile emotional health of sick patients and the stressful situation of the patient's caregiver… [with] very practical comprehensive information for dealing with a health-related crisis that is so seldom available to someone who is ill and preoccupied with their own troubles.

Ill people are often compromised and often don't know where to look for guidance. Putting so much useful information at their fingertips will help them navigate the difficulties of a confusing medical system. Combined with [the author's] encouragement to never give up hope, the book will be of great aid to anyone with a sudden serious medical emergency." - Daniel Eisenberg, MD, Department of Radiology at the Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, PA; Assistant Professor of Diagnostic Imaging at Thomas Jefferson University School of Medicine; Medical Ethicisthttp://www.daneisenberg.com/

"… a powerful 'can-do' message to those most in need of it …It could save your life or the life of your loved one. This combination of positive attitude and positive action makes this guide useful and complete. Its lessons extend far beyond the medical sphere to life challenges whatever they may be: lessons we can't afford to ignore." – Life Coach Y. Ives, England

“I’ve given Yocheved’s book to therapists and to several patients on chemotherapy. They found it very helpful.” - Abraham J. Twerski, M.D., Gateways Addiction Rehabilitation Founder and Therapist

"... This life-saving workbook will help you direct your thoughts in positive, constructive ways that will make a big difference for you and your loved one. It's a lantern in a dark night from someone who's 'been there, done that.' And if you follow its suggestions, you'll likely come through the crisis better, not bitter. It's filled with wonderful ideas." Robin L. Silverman, Fullistic Living(TM) Fortune 500 Motivational Speaker

"Through her inspiring honesty, courage and strength, Yocheved shows us how the importance of a positive attitude and will to live are both essential to healing and recovery through all of life's challenges." - D. Topolosky, Psychologist

"... The inspiration and determination of this woman through positive reinforcement and amazing faith has made her a medical miracle and a wonderful example to us all. It's a must read for all!" - Renee Crowell

"… this insightful and uplifting book guides us to confront illness in a multi-modal fashion... using all resources at our disposal—humor, creating a positive emotional environment, self-nurturing, friends, outside resources, medical and alternative practitioners—to fight illness.

"Yocheved Golani gives excellent advice on how we can build and preserve good morale, get help when we need it, stay organized with appointments, medication, bills, etc., prepare for hospitalization, focus on our blessings and healing.… this book gives Resources... contact information about organizations and treatment centers that deal with specific medical problems... that most people wouldn't know how to find, including compassionate clowns, services for blind people, where to get free medical care and medications, and where to enroll in clinical trials.

"A truly amazing and uplifting story - the book, is a must have manual, not only if you're going through a crisis - but gives strength to everyone, seeing how 1 woman, is so brave and so clear about where her Blessings come from - Hashem. Buy the book, read it, and buy it for a friend, you'll be glad you did. " - SH

IT'S HARD TO COPE The pressure's on. We want to be heroes at saving our own lives, or somebody else wants us to be heroic. [But] we feel like quitting this scary situation. As the mental pressure builds, our minds sort of explode. We might start asking "Why is this happening to me?" We don't ask that question because we necessarily want answers… The question is really about accusing GOD of having made a mistake- a BIG mistake. We don't believe we deserve the troubles and pain that we're in... it can make a suffering person feel infuriated. That can lead to a sense of guilt. [You need to realize that] acceptance is a process. Normal people need time to come to grips with their medical crisis… Asking "Why ME?" [could mean] "How can I get out of this situation?" … What if you're afraid that you DESERVE this medical crisis? I have two user-friendly responses to those questions…

Hire Me to Speak for YOUR Organization:

AUDIENCE COMMENTS"Rich in resources for healing. Cutting-edge information and great prose." Emcee

"... This comprehensive book helps individuals navigate the medical system... when dealing with medical crises for oneself or for a family member. There is an abundance of resources, including special doctors, listed toward the end of the book." - Laurie Sussman"I just heard you on the radio. I can honestly say that you were amazing and very inspiring." - Sara Dina GolemboNOVEMBER 11 2007 : "I had the privilege of having Yocheved speak [in my] home yesterday. If you have not had the opportunity to hear her amazing story and read her new book, you are truly missing out. It is a life-changing experience. One that I am very grateful to have had... Do yourself a favor and let Yocheved's experience change your life!" Renee Crowell

DOES YOUR ORGANIZATION SERVE THE NEEDS OF ILL PEOPLE? Need a speaker? INVITE ME to speak about Coping with Illness techniques for a crowd.

Get Your Grin Back with Giveret Golani Self-Help Coaching!

Energize! Organize! Achieve your goals.A patient-empowering coach, I can help you to cope with the stresses of illness and more. Get your grin back with Giveret Golani Self-Help Coaching.

I provide Self-Help Coaching services by phone or E-mail and face-to-face.

Hire Me to help you to tame the bureaucratic chaos, rollercoaster emotions and other stresses associated with illness.To your coping successes,Yocheved Golani Author, Self-Help Coach

My SELF-HELP COACHING Services

MEETING GOALS. PLANNING STRATEGIES.

TIME and ORGANIZATION MANAGEMENT.

IMPROVING YOUR HEALTH .

COPING with EMOTIONAL and PHYSICAL STRESS.

Conventional therapy focuses on the past. My Self-Help Coaching focuses on your present and more importantly, on your future!

We'll work together to identify and to build on your existing strengths. You can use ensuing insights into achieving productive goals.

Giveret Golani Self Help Coaching is based on using the TOOLS that work for an individual client. The GOALS of Giveret Golani Life Coaching are to assist you in making desired transitions in your personal lives, enabling you to increase your self-esteem and to make more and ever-greater accomplishments. We'll focus on your future and on getting better results than you've experienced in the past.

Listen to how a recent client praised my work: "...I just wanted to let people know about a great resource I discovered. She does life / self-actualization coaching, among many other things. She's written several books, please take a look at the links below. She has very deep wisdom from life experience, and a great deal of practical sense. She specializes in coping with serious illness, but she works with all kinds of issues, as well. I had a great session with her today where she took a heap of ungrounded aspirations (eg., I want to write / get my ideas out into the world....somehow) and, in an hour and a half, turned them into a viable,workable action plan I could get started on and feel good about right away (a timeline and lots of practical sugestions to focus my energy on an attainable goal..."

You won't get lectures from me about what to do with your life. We'll explore that topic together! I'll listen to the goals you want to reach, ask lots of clarifying questions, then work with you to achieve your goals. You set the pace, I help you to keep going and to reach your destination.

The information and ideas in my Self Help Coaching work, in this blog and in my book are not intended to replace personal advice from licensed physicians, and they do not constitute a doctor-patient or therapist-client relationship. Information in the above-mentioned resources is provided for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, nor a substitute for diagnosing or treating an emotional, mental, or medical condition. You need to consult board certified medical and mental health professionals in all matters relating to your health, and for suspected symptoms of illness requiring diagnosis or medical attention (including simple first aid). For spiritual matters, consult sensibly behaved clergy who demonstrate complete respect for your wellbeing. Your actions, based on information culled from my resource materials, are at your own responsibility and discretion. Yocheved Golani and Booklocker.com are not liable for any direct or indirect claim, loss or damage resulting from use of my book or blog and/or any media materials including web site(s) and blogs linked to/from it.

"This has such powerful life changing tools that it is amazing that it fits in one book. Really powerful insights that can improve so many situations even without an illness in the family. Great Work! A must read for anybody who really wants a better life!" Robert Hunds Oct 1 2009 (he found it via the flipping BookBuzzr below. It appears on my E-mail)

"I read thru most of Yocheved Golani's book. Of course I found it almost personalized so I treat it as a resource guide.I will undoubdedly re-read after I get an overview but it is a great read and she is obviously quite a woman." - James Owen (Tzadok Osher) Herlands

"... a helpful, informative text that can bring hope, help and humor to someone experiencing a medical crisis." - Dr. Lisa Aiken, Psychologist

"INSPIRATIONAL!!!" - R. Grund

"It is good. I added it as a recommended book to our book list." - Al Musella, The Musella Foundation For Brain Tumor Research & Information

Share the book with friends and loved ones, medical and mental health professionals, or read it alone. Start relaxing with the very first page. It’s MY Crisis!can solve or prevent MANY problems for you or your loved ones.

"The workbook is very good! We're glad we had you speak for our clients and supporters." Karen Traub, co-founder Jewish Caring Network

“Friends of ours have a young child recently diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy (currently a terminal diagnosis). I assisted them with [It's MY Crisis! And I'll Cry if I Need To]... It enabled them to face their challenge with strength.” Psychotherapist Jonathan Dove, UK

"It's MY Crisis! And I'll Cry If I Need To is very interesting and useful. It can help people with emotional difficulties. I have ALS disease, and I found much of Yocheved's advice useful. I have implemented it in my life. I recommend that everyone, including healthy people, read this book in order to increase the quality of their lives." Dr. Rahamim Melamed-Cohen, Former National Supervisor of Educational Programming for Israel's Department of Education - Jerusalem, Israel

"... Yocheved Golani has created a wonderful resource for those going through... life crises. Written with hopefulness, optimism... Yocheved’s book inspires and guides us to meet our own challenges with strength, determination, resilience, and faith." Shiela Strauss, Ph.D., Public Health Researcher USA

Benefit from the positive impact of the book’s humor, insight, can-do exercises and cost-cutting medical information.

The FIRST EDITION of It's MY Crisis! And I’ll Cry if I Need To truly is "A Life Book that Helps You to Dry Your Tears and to Cope with a Medical Challenge."

Get itfrom Barnes & Noble ! Free shipping on orders of $25 or more. Buy copies for family and friends!

Order DIRECTLY from the PUBLISHER, Booklocker, for faster delivery. For $13.95 plus shipping, you can ease your mind and cope better with a medical crisis!